Does getting a steroid injections increase the blood cell count?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have monoclonal lymphocytosis, which has been stable for six years. ALC has never gone above five. I had an epidural steroid injection for back pain. Twelve days later, a CBC was drawn, and ALC and WBC had risen rather dramatically. Before that, ALC was 3.95 and WBC was 8.78. Now, ALC is 7.39 and WBC is 15.39.

There is disagreement among my doctors about how likely it is that the injection led to the elevated counts, although their answers range from "possible" to "very possible" to "definitely." But there is very serious disagreement over how long the effect can last and when to re-test. Those answers range from two weeks to eight weeks to six months.

It seems to me this question should have a relatively clear empirical answer: How long can the effect of an epidural steroid injection on blood counts last? That is the question.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Following is my answer to your asked question.

It is very likely that steroids can increase the blood count. The effect of such steroid (given systemically) on CBC (complete blood count) can last for a maximum of up to three to five weeks usually.

I hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Actually, I am a Pathologist and practice hematology as well.

I hope you have got the answer. You can ask further questions whenever needed.

Good luck.